After several conversations with leadership of the South West Latin American SWLA District, SENDAS had the honor and pleasure of signing an agreement to strengthen theological education for the leaders of their congregations. Through this agreement, all pastors who have already completed, or are about to complete, their district courses for ordination in the Church of the Nazarene, will be able to continue their education with SENDAS to graduate from the Bachelor’s of Theology with emphasis on Pastoral Ministry program.
Rev. Andrés Fernández, Undergraduate Studies Coordinator for SENDAS commented: “During the month of February of this year, I had the privilege of traveling to Arizona to meet district leaders, students, teachers, and the different locations where classes would be held via videoconference. It is certainly a beautiful place, not only for its landscapes, but above all for the love of its people. It is my hope that the church in this district can continue to grow and that each day we can form more and better leaders to transform the Hispanic communities of the United States. We started the first course in March and to date we have successfully completed two classes with a group between 12 and 15 students. I am very happy to be able to be part of this new agreement that joins many other Nazarene districts in the United States that have decided to trust SENDAS to carry out the theological formation of their pastors and leaders.»
Dr. Juan A. Lelli, Director of the District’s Ministerial Studies Center states: “I believe that the once-a-week classes through videoconference centers has turned out to be quite a rewarding experience for students, for their learning as well as the experience of fellowship, unity, and mutual cooperation between them. I know that we are forming a new generation of leaders who are going to need a new vision and new ideas for our District, and this agreement is definitely turning out to be very positive. I thank SENDAS for their service.”
Rev. Benjamín López, District Superintendent stated: “We thank God for the opportunity to receive the Bachelor’s program in our District and our students for the effort they make to carry out their academic preparation through the Nazarene Seminary of the Americas. I have heard good comments from students who greatly appreciate the quality of instruction they are receiving. In fact, teachers have demonstrated a good quality of teaching, professionalism, and vast knowledge in the subjects they teach. We see this agreement as very favorable to train our students, who are workers in the kingdom of God, called to serve effectively in today’s society.”